Archive for category: Volunteer Spotlight

Many volunteers come to FROM through a friend, and for Amy Bell, that friend was former board member Annie Link. Annie’s passion for the mission inspired Amy to start as a cashier in Treasures Thrift Store, a role she immediately enjoyed. From there, her involvement grew. In 2020, she helped lead the Christmas Toy Room during the height of the pandemic and has continued each year. She has supported backpack distribution, the mobile food pantry, and joined the Board of Directors in 2021.

Amy says Community is the FROM value that stands out to her the most. She loves how people feel connected when they serve here and how the organization has become a trusted part of the Lowell area. Watching neighbors work together on major projects, like the affordable housing initiative, reminds Amy of the power of shared purpose.

Amy Bell doing some heavy lifting at our Mobile Pantry

Her favorite memories come from the relationships she has built. Working in the medical field, she often meets people she first connected with at FROM events. Seeing kids from backpack distribution or families from Christmas programs out in the community fills her with joy. She also treasures the way her church has rallied to support FROM, creating a sense of togetherness she finds really special.

Amy’s advice for anyone thinking about giving or volunteering is simple. Do it. Time spent serving others always matters. It feels good to be part of something that makes a lasting difference.

In her words, come join us.

Val David has been a devoted volunteer at FROM for over a decade, going way back to when FROM was on Main Street. In 2015, her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She used FROM’s medical equipment loan program to help care for him while continuing to volunteer. When her husband tragically passed from cancer in 2017, Val’s commitment to serving others never wavered. She used her grief as fuel to serve.

Years later, Val received her own terminal cancer diagnosis. Many would choose to step back, but she persists, bringing her unique spark and dedication to Treasures Thrift Store in areas like Christmas items, media, and games. Every day, she shows up despite her illness, embodying resilience and generosity.

Val inspires those around her, including her children, whom she brought to volunteer in the food pantry with her to learn compassion firsthand. She says bearing witness to service made quite an impact on her children’s lives. When asked what advice she would give someone considering volunteering, she says, “Like the Nike ad: Just do it. When you see the families we help and lives changing because someone cared, that is why I keep going. That is my reason for being here.”

She is a beautiful example that even when life is uncertain, strength, community, and kindness can fill up our spirit and carry us forward.

Jenny caught the “thrifting bug” when her kids were little. At first, she shopped just for children’s items, but soon she began looking for treasures for herself as well.

Now that she’s approaching an “empty nest,” Jenny started looking for more ways to give back. Having shopped at the FROM Thrift Store for years, volunteering there felt like a natural fit. She loves how FROM supports adults in a dignified and meaningful way.

In the summer of 2024, Jenny began running the cash register on Friday afternoons at the FROM Thrift Store. Still working full time as a math teacher, she appreciates the flexible schedule volunteering offers. “I can sign up week to week as I’m available,” Jenny says. “By Friday, I’m tired—physically and mentally—teaching takes a lot! I’m always amazed when I arrive [at the thrift store] because it’s energizing. That’s been a nice surprise!”

Jenny encourages anyone considering volunteering to give it a try. She finds it rewarding to know her time makes a difference. “In hindsight, I wish I would’ve started a couple summers ago,” she admits. “Even a little bit is worthwhile.”

Joining as a cashier in 2023, Sandy was drawn to FROM through recommendations from friends in a grief support group. She sought both to contribute and to find a sense of belonging.
Sandy appreciates the respectful and friendly atmosphere in Treasures Thrift Store, where both volunteers and those served feel valued. “I wanted to be part of a group with similar values, and FROM does just that….I am provided with a wonderful sense of community. It also feels good to give back to the community I have lived in since the early 90’s!”
Her favorite memories volunteering are centered on the relationships she’s formed. From being invited to join a book club to connecting with others who share similar life experiences, Sandy has experienced the transformative power in both healing and giving back.

Imagine a friendly face, always ready to lend a hand. That’s Theresa Mundt, a true gem of Lowell, who’s been brightening lives at FROM for 25 years. Since 1998, she’s been a steady force, making sure kids have clothes and seniors get their essentials.

Why does she do it? “I just love helping people,” she says, a simple answer that speaks volumes. She adds, “And I’m retired, so I have the time to give back!”

For Theresa, it’s all about community. She lights up talking about the folks she’s met, the old friends she’s reconnected with. “It’s the people,” she says, “that’s what makes it so special.” She treasures the feeling of belonging, of making a real difference right here in Lowell.

“Volunteering is so rewarding,” she shares. “It’s fun, too! You get to meet wonderful people and really feel like you’re making a difference.”

Her dedication reveals that the community thrives on connection and that even the smallest acts of kindness can create a lasting ripple effect.